Success for Chichester Roman Week at Beautiful South Awards for Excellence 2018

An annual event organised by The Novium Museum has been awarded a coveted Bronze award in the category Tourism Event of the Year at the Beautiful South Awards for Excellence 2018.

The award serves as recognition of Chichester Roman Week's most successful year yet. Taking place during May half term every year, the event brings Roman history to life with a variety of events taking place in the City Centre and around the District. Grant funding from the Roman Research Trust and the Roman Society funded the headline event during the week this year - a Roman Re-Enactment in Priory Park, which attracted more than 2000 visitors during the day.

Councillor Eileen Lintill, Cabinet Member for Community Services at Chichester District Council says: 'It is a real honour for Chichester Roman Week to have been recognised in this year's prestigious Beautiful South Awards. To receive a Bronze Award for Tourism Event of the Year 2018 is a testament to the hard work of the team at The Novium Museum.'

Presented by TV and radio presenter Mark Jones, the Awards saw 74 business and tourism professionals receive prestigious gold, silver and bronze trophies at what has become the industry's year end highlight.

Run by Tourism South East in partnership with Services for Tourism Ltd, the Awards recognise achievement in the tourism industry over the last 18 months. Held at the Grand Hotel Brighton, the ceremony celebrated the fantastic visitor experiences available across the South and South East of England.

Nigel Smith, Chief Executive of Tourism South East, said, 'Achieving excellence isn't easy - it takes vision, years of commitment and a lot of hard work from talented people. All of the finalists have got these qualities in abundance. They can be proud of what they have achieved and the example they are setting for others. I was blown away last night by the sheer quality of tourism businesses we have got in the South East and how their numbers are increasing every year. Many of the winners are truly world class.'

Continuing on the success of this year's event, Chichester Roman Week 2019 will take place during May half term, from 27 May - 1 June 2019. Supported again by Chichester BID and a number of local businesses, shops and visitor attractions, the week offers a programme of exciting and educational events for all ages to enjoy, including talks, trails, workshops and family activities. The highlight of the week will see re-enactment group Legio Secunda Augusta return to Priory Park with an even bigger interactive re-enactment display, including their very popular Gladiator Battle!

For more information about Chichester Roman Week and for upcoming events in 2019, visit www.thenovium.org/romanweek. If you are interested in getting involved in the week email noviumlearning@chichester.gov.uk or call 01243 775888.